Academy Staff
KEVIN THELWELL - ACADEMY MANAGER
Kevin replaced the long-serving Chris Evans as Academy boss in April 2008. Previously he had worked at
Before moving to
MICK HALSALL -
Mick Halsall made the short trip across the Black Country to join Wolves in the summer of 2009 after a hugely successful decade bringing a host of young players through the ranks at
A highly respected figure in the game, he has also been caretaker manager of
Born in Bootle in Merseyside, as a player Mick stacked up almost 400 appearances with
Having become something of a legend at
For much of the decade he has been the Saddlers' Head of Youth development, but as well as the spells in caretaker charge he has also worked as first team coach.
A former scholar at local rivals West Bromwich, Gareth joins us from
A UEFA 'A' coaching licence holder with a degree in Coaching Science, Gareth takes responsibility for the schoolboy programme at Wolves.
ALAN TRAVIS - RECRUITMENT OFFICER
Alan Travis arrived as Wolves Head of Recruitment in 2009, succeeding the long-serving Tony Lacey.
In keeping with the role Alan has already amassed over two decades of experience in youth football even before starting at Wolves.
Having previously worked with
Players he has spotted during his lengthy career in recruitment include Jermaine Pennant, Liam Lawrence, Giles Barnes and Nicky Weaver.
A member of the scouting staff since 1998, Bob turned full-time at the club in 2002.
He was initially approached by Wolves to join the club as a scout when youth coach at Willenhall Town FC having previously worked for Bilbrook Juniors.
Bob is currently the Academy's longest serving full-time officer.
NICK LOFTUS - EDUCATION AND WELFARE OFFICER
Formerly a well respected teacher throughout the locality, and football Secretary for
Oversees the Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, ensuring the players achieve high standards of academic, personal and social development. Joined the Academy in 2004.
DOCTOR JOHN IGA - ACADEMY SPORTS SCIENTIST
John has a degree in Coaching Science and a PhD in Exercise Physiology, both from Liverpool John Moores University.
He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and he is a member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
Dr. Iga has extensive experience of working within professional football and has previously worked for several Championship and Premiership clubs.John joins the club after working as a University Lecturer.
He is an expert in football specific fitness and arrives with a specific remit of ensuring the optimal physical preparation of all the club's playing personnel.
John is the sports science laboratory manager at the club and oversees all exercise physiology testing of the players.
PHIL
Phil joined the club in July, 2008, as assistant Academy physiotherapist with responsibility for the medical provision of those in the under-9 to under-16 age groups.
He was promoted to the role of Head of the Academy's Medical Department in 2009. Phil is responsible for the medical cover of the full time Academy scholars at the club.
He also works very closely with the first team physiotherapy staff to ensure a smooth transition of care from Academy to full time professional.
Phil qualified as a physiotherapist from Manchester School of Physiotherapy in 2005. He gained experience in the NHS, specialising in musculoskeletal out-patients, before joining Wolves for his first post in football.
Prior to joining us Phil has worked in a part time capacity at Bolton Wanderers and spent two years as head physiotherapist at Oldham Rugby League Football Club in National Leagues One and Two.
Phil is currently undertaking his MSc degree in Manual Therapy on a part time basis which he hopes to complete by the summer of 2011.
JAZZ SODHI BSC (hons), MSCP SRP - ACADEMY PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Jazz qualified as a physiotherapist from
He joined the club in 2006 as a part time physiotherapist holding clinics and rehabilitation sessions for academy players.
Jazz moved in to the Academy on a full time basis in July 2009 in the position of
Jazz is at present undertaking a diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine which he will expects to complete in February 2010.
Dan joined Wolves in the summer of 2009 as an addition to the club's Sports Science department.
He has previously completed a BSc (Hons) degree at
Dan is working alongside Wolves' Exercise Physiologist John Iga, with main responsibility for the Academy.
JEREMY BRADLEY - ACADEMY DOCTOR
Highly respected General Practitioner who is a senior partner at the Albrighton Medical Practice.
Recently graduated with the Diploma in Sports Medicine from
JENNIFER RICE - ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR / PA TO THE ACADEMY MANAGER
Now performing a crucial administrative role for the Academy, Jenny was formerly a Naval Writer and PA to a Naval Commander.
Responsible for all Academy administrative procedures, clerical support initiatives as well as fully supporting the Academy Manager on a daily basis.
RON PICKEN - ACADEMY MATCH AND TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR
Highly valued member of staff, Ron ensures the highest standards of operational management in matchplay and all training sessions.
Very well organised and motivated, he has been at the Academy over ten years and also provides a link to parents and guardians.
Having worked diligently for the Academy on a part-time basis for over a decade, Ron becamse a full-time member of staff at the start of the 2009/10 season.
MARC CAMPBELL - ACADEMY TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (8-12)
Marc arrived at Wolves in 2005 and started work as a
In July 2008 he started working with the younger age groups of the Academy and in February, 2009, he became a full time member of the Academy staff.
His role is to ensure the young players that train with the Academy receive the best technical coaching possible and to ensure they are given the best opportunity to progress through the early ranks of the academy.
Marc has a UEFA 'B' coaching license along with FA age-specific coaching qualifications for coaching five to 11-year olds.
ASSISTANT MATCH ANALYST - PHIL BOARDMAN
Phil arrived at Wolves in the summer of 2009 as the club increased their Prozone programme.
Possessing a BSc (Hons) degree in Geography and Sport Science from
He has previously coached football in
While assisting Match Analyst James Lovell in the delivery of the Prozone programme, Phil will also have responsibility for expanding the system for the use of
